Hip-Hop Hairstyles for Girls

By Celeigh O'Neil

Hip-hop music and culture is all about experimentation, and the same goes for the hairstyles of the genre's female artists: The ladies of hip-hop will take pomade and hair pins over a trip to the blow-dry bar any day. The likes of Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea change up their dos as often as they change clothing. Take on some hip-hop hairstyles whether you're ready to drop a beat or head to the grocery store.

The Sky-High Pony

The volumized genie ponytail is a favorite of Iggy Azalea and Nicki Minaj. Flip your head over and spritz the roots with dry shampoo to add grip, then use a natural-bristle brush to smooth your tresses. Pull all of your hair to the top of your head and secure it tightly at the crown with an elastic. Place a cuff hair accessory around the elastic. Leave your hair natural, or wrap 1-inch-wide sections of the ponytail around a 1-inch curling iron for added texture. Spritz with hairspray and run your fingers over any flyaways for a smooth finish.

The Wavy Mohawk

Artists like Rihanna favor an updated mohawk for ease of styling. Have your stylist trim the hair at the sides of your head to 1.5-inches long and the hair at the center to 4-inches long, at the width of your choosing. Wash your hair and allow it to air-dry until 50-percent dry. Pick up a quarter-sized amount of texturizing paste, and pull it through 1-inch sections of hair, while alternating between directing them to the left and right to create a wavy effect.

Volumized Curls

Artists like Beyonce embrace big hair whenever they get the chance. Wash your hair and smooth a dime-sized amount of leave-in conditioner through the ends while damp. Allow your locks to air-dry completely. Wrap 1-inch sections of hair around a 1-inch curling wand from root to tip, directing the hair away from your face. Hold them against the iron for 5 seconds if you have fine hair and 10 seconds for thick hair. Allow the strands to cool. Finish by running your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls and add volume.

Deep Side Part

The deep side part -- sported by the likes of Alicia Keys -- adds edge to your look without the need for a haircut. Wash your hair and allow it to dry until 50-percent dry. Position the tail end of a rat-tail comb at the front of your hairline, directly above your left eye. Drag it back until you reach your crown, then pull all of the hair to the right of the comb over the right side of your head. Smooth a dime-sized amount of gel over the hair on the left, smoothing it toward the back of your head. Spritz the right side with a volumizing hairspray.